Jordy

Jordy attended Camp Hiawatha in 2024. From his very first day, he fell in love with camp because of the activities, the friendships and the sense of belonging he found there.

Tragically, after his third day at camp, Jordy's father suffered a heart attack. Jordy did not attend camp the following day, but he returned on Friday. 

Although English was not his first language, he spoke with camp staff about what had happened. During the conversation, Jordy told them, "I want to be at camp because I love it. I love my friends, the pool and all of the counselors."

After such a traumatic event, Jordy could have chosen not to come back to camp. Instead, he chose to return because camp was a place where he felt safe, supported and loved.

He went on to have an incredible summer, and, at the end of the season, his mother shared how much of a positive impact camp had made on both Jordy and their family during such a difficult time.